You take care of others. We take care of you. To the service men and women of Australia, Jet Aviation thanks you.
Two Ex Australian Navy Force Protection and Boarding Operation Specialists, with multiple deployments to both the Middle East and Sovereign Border Operations spanning multiple decades that want to build a community through their apparel company that supports and enhances all Military and First Responders Morale and Support
https://tapnrack.com.au
gday@tap-n-rack.com.au
Proud Gold supporter of Soldier On & Our Veteran Community
CEO Amy Cooper talks resilience and strength as Soldier On looks to the future.
Volunteer Narelle helps veterans while honouring her brother’s memory and fostering connections.
Ph: 1300 620 380
Email: getsupport@soldieron.org.au
7 31
Hancock Prospecting’s commitment to veterans through its new employment program.
Brisbane community comes together in memory of beloved veteran.
14 32
Connection in a combined spirit of celebration, recognition and support.
Michael is cycling around Australia to raise awareness of veteran suicide.
As a national charity, we support more than 11,000 veterans and their family members through our Health and Wellbeing services, Employment Support, Learning and Education Programs, as well as Participation in Social Connection activities. Our services help individuals build resilience and create meaningful connections with family, community and employers. These programs are made possible through the generous support of the Australian community, the Australian Government through the Department of Veterans Affairs, and our Corporate Partners.
Soldier On is a leader in supporting those who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. With an exemplary track record of providing practical and emotional assistance critical to building successful post-service lives, Soldier On is recognised as an essential first port of call for veterans and their families as they transition from the Defence Force to civilian life.
21 22
Soldier On partner ISPS HANDA inspires positive change through sport.
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia shares success of new program.
26
Singleton serves up another lunch, sharing more than just a great feed.
37
GOLD COAST MARATHON FESTIVAL
Running to raise funds for Soldier On at the Gold Coast Marathon Festival.
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Soldier On participant Emma talks uni-work-life balance.
Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser. Advertising funds the production, print and distribution of this journal, allowing Soldier On to get the word out. Countrywide Austral adheres to stringent ethical advertising practices and any advertising inquiries should be directed to:
GPO Box 2466, Melbourne VIC 3001
Ph: 03 9937 0200
Web: www.cwaustral.com.au
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Catch up on the latest programs around the country.
32 RIDING TO PREVENT VETERAN SUICIDE
On the cover: Michael Davey
Photography: Michael Davey
sites managed across the country, providing support and a presence nationally
80% of our Helicopters team are Veterans
$70,000 donated to Legacy over the last 3 years
23,000 ADF Personnel and their families relocated every year
Proud supporters of industry events, awards and support groups such as DFA and DSNSG
Member of the Veterans’ Employment Commitment
We deliver customised and integrated solutions enabling our partners to achieve success. Anywhere. Anytime. GOVERNMENT
4,971 into-base deliveries last year
government.defence@tollgroup.com www.tollgroup.com/industries/government-defence
supporting serving and ex-serving veterans and their families
Those who serve their country know a thing or two about resilience, as do their loved ones. We see it all the time as we support veterans and their families, at what can be a challenging time, to make the most of opportunities to thrive. As an organisation, Soldier On has had to call on its own resilience in the past few months, but we’re proud that through a period requiring change, we have maintained a national presence and an ongoing commitment to our HELP model of support services that is as strong as ever. As we look forward, I know we will continue to find ways to improve and serve veterans and their families, both as a charity and as a prominent voice for our community in the wider conversation and call for action.
At the end of May, I attended the second National Forum for Ex-Service Organisations (ESO). Representatives from more than 40 ESOs gathered to discuss current issues, advocacy, collaboration, and a proposed peak body for ESOs. It was also a valuable opportunity for the ESO sector to hear an update from the Commissioners of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. A further Forum is planned for October, and Soldier On looks forward to strong participation to help shape the future of the ESO sector.
The Royal Commission’s Stakeholder Reference Group, on which Soldier On is represented, will also be meeting in Canberra during National Suicide Prevention Week, 10 to 16 September.
The week will include meetings with Parliamentarians and an address by Commissioner Nick Kaldas APM at the National Press Club.
Soldier On will continue to closely support the work of the Commission. We are keen to ensure that the eventual Recommendations, due to be publicly released in mid-2024, do what they must to address this national tragedy. We encourage anyone who also wishes to participate to do so; submissions can be made by Friday 13 October 2023. Visit bit.ly/RCsubmissions for guidance on how to make a submission.
I’m pleased to report that Soldier On has been invited to sit on DVA’s Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT), a forum for national ESOs that helps to guide strategic direction for the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. This is a new avenue for us to make important representation at the highest levels for our veterans and their families, and, importantly, gives us the opportunity to ensure the voices of contemporary veterans are represented in this forum.
Soldier On warmly welcomed the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh MP, releasing the nation’s first Veteran Transition Strategy. The Strategy sets out the priority areas of work for improving the transition process for Defence members to civilian life. You can access the Strategy via bit.ly/VetTransitionStrat.
It’s also positive to see DVA announcing the second wave of Veterans’ & Families’ Hubs. These ‘one-stop shops’ for local veteran services are a strong opportunity for us to work with other ESOs to serve the veteran community, and we’re committed to being a partner in these spaces around the country. Minister Matt Keogh officially opened a new Hub in Darwin in late May, where we’re proud to be working alongside Mates4Mates and others in the Northern Territory. In June, the Hub in Perth’s southwest was announced, with Soldier On one of the key organisations partnering with RSLWA. We are also actively involved in consultation and development of coming Hubs in South Australia and New South Wales. With the strength of our community of supporters, our charity will continue to collaborate, innovate and deliver to ensure that our veterans and their families have the best chance to reach their full potential and live happy, meaningful lives.
Amy Cooper, CEO
A unique bank for a unique life.
Proud winner of Defence Services Bank of the Year. Two years in a row.
Hancock Prospecting’s Veteran Employment Program offers direct employment pathways for veterans and ex-defence members, with ongoing support and resources to ensure they can successfully integrate and thrive in their new jobs.
While already benefiting from the ongoing contribution of veterans across its varied business units, under the guidance and leadership of Executive Chairman, Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, Hancock Prospecting companies have upped the ante, taking a proactive and vocal stance in bringing more veterans into the organisation,
as well as advocating for other businesses to do the same.
The aim of the Veterans Employment program is to not only continue to increase diversity of experience across Hancock companies, but also to improve employment outcomes for veterans by providing targeted onboarding and ongoing support, understanding the challenges some servicemen and women can experience when transitioning into civilian employment.
Built on good Australian values of loyalty, determination, mateship and compassion, Hancock Prospecting
In addition to its impressive corporate successes in the mining and agricultural industries, Hancock Prospecting group of companies are amongst those leading the way in supporting the men and women who have served and sacrificed for their country.
has grown to become Australia’s most successful private family company, one which its employees have termed, “the best company in Australia to work for.”
With the variety of companies Hancock Prospecting operates, the range of careers open to veterans through this program is enormous.
Its flagship iron ore operation, Roy Hill, located north of Newman in WA’s Pilbara region, is one of Australia’s largest single iron ore mines.
Over the years, Roy Hill has been recognised with many awards for its performance and leadership, and is
considered a trailblazer when it comes to the use of cutting-edge technology, innovative thinking and greater hiring of veterans.
Hancock Prospecting also operates a world-class agribusiness and is one of the longest continuous owners of cattle stations in Australia.
The company has launched a media campaign to spread the word about its Veterans Employment Program, while staff have been busy attending Defence Forums, military networking events, and is working closely with Working Spirit, RSL, SASR, Commando Welfare Trust, and Soldier On.
Roy Hill employee Apollo Jones, originally from Adelaide, says he has army in his blood and always knew he would join one day, given a long family history of service.
“It was a case of not if but when,” he says. “I entered the Army when I was 18 years old – straight out of high school.”
“I joined the 10/27 Battalion Royal South Australia Regiment in 1999 and did my Officer’s course in 2000. As an Officer of the Australian Army, I took over a platoon, and served until 2004.”
After five years, Apollo was ready for a new adventure and left the Army, bringing with him half a decade of skills and experience.
Joining Roy Hill in 2020 as a Production Coordinator, Apollo’s attributes were quickly recognised.
“I was promoted to Production Supervisor after a year and look after a team of Mineral Processing Operators, and together we make sure the processing plant runs smoothly.
“I love leading a team and working together to achieve our goals. We’ve got a great team who band together.
“I can’t recommend Roy Hill enough as a place to work, my time has been really enjoyable. I have been able to bring my training to a work environment and use the skillset I developed in the Army.
“You’re building teams, responding to challenges, thinking on your feet. There’s so much work satisfaction in an environment that shares the same values as you and, just as importantly, values what you bring to the organisation.”
Roy Hill Advisor Port Operations, Mick Findlay, joined the Australian Defence Force as a seventeen-year-old after leaving school.
“Hancock Prospecting Group has been absolutely amazing,” he says. “Fair dinkum, it’s the most generous organisation I have worked for, and just the respect that is shown to the employees is amazing.”
“It’s great to have that feeling of recognition for our support to the country.”
The company takes an inclusive approach, recognising an ex-defence member as someone who has served in any capacity, in any service, in any allied country.
Craig Harris was conscripted into the South African Airforce and served from 1982 to 1988.
He now works as a scheduler for Roy Hill’s port operations, responsible for making sure the company’s rail operations line up with its shipping schedule.
“Veterans looking to move on from their service in the military have a number of invaluable skills that they can offer the resources sector,” he says.
“They should give Hancock Prospecting Group a go - the company is highperforming and the culture is fantastic.
“Knowing that the company’s Executive Chairman Mrs Rinehart is passionate about the veteran community gives me a great sense of pride.”
Hancock Prospecting’s support of those who have served is not only reflected in its recruitment drive, the company also supports many worthwhile causes benefiting the defence community.
This includes a joint funding agreement with long-time trusted business partner POSCO, a world-class South Korean steel manufacturer, for a dedicated community gathering and performance space as part of the next stage of the Korean War Memorial project in Perth’s Kings Park.
This is in addition to a recently announced significant, seven figure donation to help widows and their children after the loss of their
husbands and fathers. It follows many years of Mrs Rinehart’s very generous contributions to the SASR Fund, Soldier On and other support for veterans.
With agriculture and mining playing a crucial role in Australia’s living standards and future, veterans and ex-defence members can take pride in the positive contribution of their work on the wellbeing and prosperity of the nation and its people.
Soldier On warmly thanks Hancock Prospecting Group and its Executive Chairman, Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, for its continued generous support to help us make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.
Few figures embody the essence of great Aussie values and respect for our military more than Mrs Gina Rinehart AO.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Mrs Rinehart’s corporate successes, leadership of the mining and agricultural industries, and genuine desire to contribute to the wellbeing of Australia have seen her recognised with many awards both nationally and internationally.
Her company, Hancock Prospecting, is built on good Australian values, where loyalty and performance are rewarded, and Mrs Rinehart’s dedication to these values has led it to become the most successful private company in Australia’s history.
Mrs Rinehart is also one of the most strident advocates for veterans and the country’s Defence Force, actively speaking up in public forums to call for greater Government investment in defence and for a better go for our veterans.
As she often says: “the bravery and dedication of our soldiers has helped shape the Australia we can enjoy today.”
A range of military pictures proudly hang at Hancock Prospecting’s West Perth Headquarters, to remind staff daily of the sacrifices our military have made in pursuit of a free nation and to enable each of us to work and enjoy our lives in this country.
Mrs Rinehart has always sought ways to contribute and support those who have selflessly served their country.
Her generous support of the SAS Resources Fund over many years has greatly assisted families of SAS soldiers, killed or disabled as a result of operations or training. This has extended to the Commando Welfare Trust, where
most recently, a further significant seven figure donation was made.
Hancock Prospecting Group is also a proud Pledge Partner with Soldier On and Working Spirit.
Mrs Rinehart, together with Hancock Prospecting, has been a long time friend and generous supporter of Soldier On. Most recently, she rallied her personal networks to raise $1.2 million at a private luncheon she hosted at her home in Queensland, where Soldier On Chairman Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC (Ret’d) recognised her extraordinary patriotic support of Australia’s servicemen and women.
Understanding the challenges that come with transitioning from
military to civilian life, Mrs Rinehart initiated Hancock Prospecting’s Veterans Employment Program to provide veterans and ex-defence members not only with more job opportunities, but also a supportive work environment that values their unique skills and experiences.
Mrs Rinehart’s vision is to create pathways to employment opportunities for veterans and ex-military across the Hancock Prospecting group of companies, ensuring they feel a real sense of recognition and thanks for their service.
As a proudly Australian company, Hancock Prospecting has always had the greatest respect for our military and all they do to keep Australians, and our country, safe.
You can try to make plans or set career goals, but more often than not, the military has other ideas. You are not generally privy to these ideas until the last minute and, even then, they are likely to be changed. You need to be extremely adaptable, resilient and have at least a plan B, C and D in place for everything. This is not to say it’s impossible, but it can be more challenging than you could ever dream.
Let’s say, for example, you are living in Townsville, working your dream job in reef conservation or marine biology that you’ve spent your life studying for. Next minute, you meet and fall in love with someone who you want to build a life with. They are your best friend and you can’t imagine your life without them. Turns out that they are in the military, which, while you are both in Townsville, is no big deal. Next thing you know they are being posted to Wagga Wagga and you’re given a choice. Do you choose your job or your
partner? You could go long distance for a while, or maybe you can find a different job or work remotely, but the truth is that while you were both living in Townsville you didn’t realise what you were truly signing up for.
Personally, I’ve have had to make tough choices around my career and life. I have made massive sacrifices for an employer that wasn’t mine. When my now-husband and I met, I was finishing my nursing degree and applying for graduate nursing positions at my local hospital. I worked hard and got into a nursing program. Like most new graduate nursing programs at the time, it was a 12-month process, where you rotate through three different wards. Despite there being a world shortage of nurses, it can be extremely difficult to get into nursing graduate programs as there are limited positions and it is super competitive. After graduation comes the year of experience, and making a good impression on one of the wards you rotated through is
vital to being employed beyond that first year. Even if you complete a new graduate program, most jobs still require another year of nursing under your belt. I finished my grad year and passed my academic components with excellent results and had several employment options in that hospital at the end of that year. There was just one catch: my partner had been posted.
We had started to build a life together. He was (and still is) my best friend and neither of us wanted to do a longdistance relationship, so I followed him. How hard could it be? I’m a nurse; everywhere was screaming out for nurses, right? Wrong. It was so much harder than I thought. I didn’t have the second-year experience that was needed to secure a job, and I hadn’t completed my grad year at any of the hospitals in our new posting location. Eventually I got into the casual pool at one of the local hospitals, and one of the wards offered me a job after six stressful weeks. As it would most
Being a military spouse is hard. Your life is not your own.
people, the job hunting and knockbacks left me feeling deflated and stressed. That was one of my first insights into just how challenging military spouse life could be.
I don’t think I have ever met a military spouse who hasn’t heard the phrase, “But you knew what you were signing up for.” It’s a phrase that makes every spouse cringe and rage internally. The truth is that you really have no idea what you have signed up for until you are in the thick of it. It’s like trying to juggle shift work and childcare with a spouse who goes away often and unexpectedly and with no family backup. It feels almost impossible, even when you have a nursing job that you can take anywhere.
Thanks to Google and social media, you have access to a plethora of information, which does make life easier, but I am yet to find a guide to the layout of your new local supermarket. In my experience, it can be the smaller things that push you to your limits. For the first month or so,
just ducking to your local supermarket to pick up that one particular item is not the five-minute task it was in your last location. The day-to-day stuff like finding a good cafe or a good vet, dog groomer, gym, playground, sporting team, art supply store or mechanic is extremely challenging. Attempting to re-establish your whole life every couple of years requires a level of resourcefulness, flexibility and resilience that no one warns you about. Another struggle is consistent medical care. As spouses, we are not entitled to military-based healthcare. Yes, there are healthcare benefits in place, but it’s not just the financial aspect of medical care that has an impact on spousal health outcomes. Retelling your medical history, especially if it’s a complex one, is time consuming, and you don’t always know if that particular healthcare professional is going to take you seriously.
Initial consults are often expensive, and waitlists are long. If you are lucky to enough to get to the end of that waitlist,
it’s likely your partner is being posted out again, sometimes to a remote area that may not have the specialist you need. No one tells you about any this stuff when you start a relationship with a military person. Sure, most people have a surface understanding of what moving to a new city or country means but, like most things, there is so much to it that you just cannot understand until you’ve lived it. It’s challenging and overwhelming at times, and when people dismissively tell you, “You chose to be a military spouse,” it can be so disheartening.
So often we make unseen sacrifices, with the expectation to hold down the fort or move it whenever our partner’s job tells us to. We do it because we love them and the lives we build together, but that doesn’t make it easy.
So please let me clarify, I did not sign up for this.
Written by the spouse of a Defence member.Following the success of the Canberra event in April, our Sydney Gala Ball was held on Friday 5 May at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel.
This year’s evocative Gala Ball theme of an interconnecting golden thread was alive and well, linking the 240 guests in a combined spirit of celebration, recognition and support of our veteran community.
Comedian Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann served as Master of Ceremonies, presiding over an evening filled with impressive speakers. The tone was set by Soldier On’s own Dean Mainey, who delivered the Veterans’ Covenant, and later in the evening guests heard from James Milliss, another member of the Soldier On team, who spoke about the vital importance of its services from his personal perspective as a veteran and former participant.
As well as an update from Soldier On Chairman Peter Leahy, guests were treated to an adress from former prime minister the Honourable Tony Abbott MP on behalf of the
Gala’s Platinum Sponsor, ISPS HANDA. Mr Abbott is a patron of the organisation and has also been a longtime supporter of and public advocate for Soldier On.
We were lucky to have two distinguished keynote speakers, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite MP and Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner Gwen Cherne. Minister Thistlethwaite celebrated the success of our Pathways Program and expressed the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to finding ways to work with Soldier On to support the veteran community.
Gwen Cherne’s address was a poignant highlight of the evening, as she shared her very personal connection to her work. An Australian war widow from suicide, the mother of a currently serving member of
the Australian Defence Force and the daughter of a Vietnam veteran who suffered PTSD and moral injury, Ms Cherne’s obvious passion for her role as Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner was incredibly powerful. This wonderful evening wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and supporters. We extend deepest thanks to our sponsors for the event, including Platinum Sponsor, ISPS HANDA. With a champagne bar sponsored by JLL and live and silent auctions taking place throughout the night, the golden thread of generosity was certainly on show.
Preparations are now well underway for our Brisbane Gala Ball coming up on 27 October at the Hilton Hotel. Visit our website to find out about sponsorship opportunities and to get your tickets!
PLATINUM
CHAMPAGNE BAR
CORPORATE
Make staying connected and asking R U OK? part of your everyday Star t by asking, ‘are you OK?’
No, I’m not OK.
Dig a bit deeper:
“What’s been happening?”
Yes, I’m fine.
But your gut says they’re not:
“It’s just that you don’t seem to be your usual self lately.”
“Have you been feeling this way for a while?”
“I’m always here if you want to chat.”
“I’m ready to listen if you want to talk.”
“Is there someone else you’d rather talk to?”
Encourage action and offer suppor t
“How can I help?”
“Have you thought about seeing your doctor?”
“What would help take the pressure off?”
Make time to check in
“Let’s chat again next week.”
ruok.org.au
This is the belief behind the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS HANDA). Over recent years, the organisation has supported numerous global sporting and charity events, and, since 2015, has been a generous supporter of Soldier On, empowering our participants through the power of sport.
ISPS Founder and Chairman, Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa, has founded numerous charitable organisations, believing that sport has the power to inspire, transform, and unite people and communities across social, racial and socio-economic barriers. He has been a passionate supporter of blind golf for over 30 years and has extended his philosophy to a number of other worthy causes.
This has included tremendous support for Soldier On, from golfing events showcasing how accessible sport can help veterans overcome visible and invisible wounds, to supporting our involvement with the Invictus Games, to sponsoring the massive annual charity cycling event, Pollie Pedal.
Soldier On was honoured to be the recipient of Pollie Pedal support for several years, handing the baton over this year to fellow ESO Wandering Warriors. ISPS has been a very generous sponsor of numerous Pollie Pedal events.
Additionally, it has sponsored a number of our annual Gala Balls, including this year’s Sydney event,
where former prime minister and ISPS patron Tony Abbott spoke on behalf of the organisation. The evening was a wonderful success and was only possible through ISPS HANDA’s generous support.
With a shared commitment to creating positive change for our participants, we are proud to continue to partner with ISPS HANDA.
“Sport has a unique ability to create hope, to break down educational and cultural barriers and to inspire people in a way very little else does. Sport brings people together and unites communities around the world.”
Earlier this year, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) announced Stud Start, an intensive, 10-day classroom introduction to breeding, followed by a work placement on an industry stud farm.
This new course would differ from the well-established Fast Track program in that it was aimed at students of all ages, and in particular those with careers in other industries that might be looking for a tree change.
“Fast Track is aimed at young people coming into the industry, and often it’s their first job,” said TBA’s Tom Reilly at the time. “Stud Start, on the other hand, is really aimed at people who are perhaps in a different career and are thinking about a change, who maybe haven’t worked in the industry but who are looking at it, thinking they might be interested in it.”
TBA Stud Start enrolled six students. They ranged from ages 29 to 49, and
they spanned such careers as the defence force, plumbing, factory work and mortgage broking. They come from Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, representing exactly the spread of experience that TBA expected of its inaugural class.
The six students commenced their 10day classroom session at Scone TAFE, after which they would respectively take a one-month working placement on an industry farm.
Robert Murphy is completely new to horses. He came to Stud Start from the Australian Defence Force. TBA spoke to him one week into the course.
“I was in the army for 18 years,” he said. “We [have connections with] Soldier On, which helps veterans transition into the civilian workforce, and I heard about TBA through Soldier On. I was in the infantry corps for 18 years and got discharged as a platoon sergeant.”
Murphy had no experience with horses when he enrolled in Stud Start, but he was aware of equine therapy when it came to veteran recovery. Based in Newcastle, he thought the Stud Start program was ideally local.
“I medically discharged from Defence in February with PTSD,” he said. “I know what equine therapy can do for such cases, so I have a passion for not only
helping myself, but wanting to help an animal on a day-to-day basis. My skills, from a day-one member of Stud Start to now, have definitely improved, and not just through the knowledge presented to us by the instructors. The hands-on experience has been amazing too.”
Murphy said the week of learning had been good for him. “From me first touching one of the horses that is currently at the TAFE here at Scone, I just felt a calming presence within myself,” he said. “Horses can provide so much. I definitely want to stick with the thoroughbred industry when this is all done, but it’s too early to say what, exactly.” Murphy will spend his
month’s farm placement with Tony and Aaron Bott at Evergreen Stud Farm. He’s looking forward to it.
“To be honest, I’m happy cleaning up after the horses, feeding or mucking out,” he said. “Once I get that month on the stud farm, I’ll have more of an idea of the direction I want to go. Maybe a barrier attendant or working in the mounting yard at Newcastle… I’m open to anything.”
The Stud Start students have six very different stories and, eventually, will have six very different outcomes for the industry.
continued on page 24
continued from page 23
Across the week, the Stud Start students tuned into [industry mentor] James Bester, and visited Yarraman Park, Vinery and Darley studs, Kia Ora, the Hunter Equine Hospital and Justin Drake’s race educating and training operation at Scone Racecourse. It was a whirlwind experience, delivering the very best of the Hunter Valley industry in a 10-day package.
The teaching team at Scone TAFE that is handling Stud Start is the same team behind Fast Track. TBA has a similar commitment to Stud Start as its flagship Fast Track program, and Madison Tims, TBA’s education and project manager, is hopeful that the new program will become an industry staple.
“At TBA, we want to support people with a passion for horses to find a career within the thoroughbred industry,” she said, “Stud Start allows the individuals to create a pathway and opportunity for themselves within the breeding sector, no matter their experience, age or demographic.”
She said the inaugural Stud Start had been a positive trial for the program. “The students have all had an extreme eagerness to learn about the industry,” she said. “They are a group that, like sponges, have absorbed all the information they have been taught, be it in the classroom or the stables. They are no strangers to asking insightful questions.”
TBA is a Gold Pledge Partner of Soldier On, in an effort to encourage Australian veterans into the thoroughbred industry. It’s also a valued Education Partner, with participants having taken part in the Fast Track Program in the past.
“We hope this is just the beginning of the Stud Start program. Hopefully, it will continue to grow and become a long-term, sustainable program because I think it’s really important that we try to cater for all demographics within our industry.”
This is an edited version of an article by Jessica Owers for the Thoroughbred Daily News Australia & New Zealand.
ROUND 2
The Lived Experiences Luncheon is a socially connected meal for members of the veteran community, with specialists and educational keynote speakers presenting in a veteran-centric health space.
This opportunity brings veterans together in a safe social setting, breaking the barriers in reconnecting that can occur for some post-discharge.
Early this year, members of the Singleton veteran community attended our first Lived Experiences Luncheon, where veteran Kevin Lomax shared his journey with attendees. Kevin says he has always found the best advice has come from others with shared or similar experiences who understood what it was that he was going through.
In June, we welcomed Kevin back to share his story with round two of the Luncheon. After a troubled youth, coming from a broken home and periods of homelessness, alcohol was
a crutch for Kevin as a teenager to cope with despair and helplessness. He found solace in the camaraderie the Army offered and loved the feeling of having a place to fit in. He served in the Infantry for almost 15 years before
he was medically discharged in 2015 with physical and emotional injuries. At the time, he felt completely broken, but acknowledged that his body was never going to heal as long as he was still serving. He had a significant back
injury, leaving him barely able to walk and ultimately leading to surgery.
Kevin was diagnosed with complex posttraumatic stress disorder, stemming from multiple traumatic experiences throughout his life. That feeling of loss became more apparent as he was now back on the ‘outside’ of his friendship groups.
He explained to the attendees that when he was going through some of his toughest days, he felt that, as a bloke, he had to keep his issues to himself and ‘suck it up’, regardless of what was going on. Kevin described the experience of finally speaking out as a great relief, helping him to realise he wasn’t alone; there are lots of people, blokes in particular, going through similar struggles.
“We all walk our own path,” he said, “and this isn’t a competition about who’s done it tougher, but an exercise on how we can find the common ground or, more importantly, the common reactions to things that have happened to us and how we dealt with them.”
Kevin encouraged the attendees, “It’s not weak to speak. Find a good mate who actually listens and cares, and be there for them when you can.”
“Our past experiences don’t have to be what defines us. We can move forward and re-write our future story”.
Our second speaker for the event was Craig Hamburger. A veteran with an extensive 20-year career in the Australian Defence Force, Craig entertained the
audience with some very colourful stories from his service!
He also opened up about the challenges he overcame through childhood, his love of sport, his experience of completing his year ten certificate at TAFE and how he had to train harder than most to get through the rigorous criteria for Special Forces selection.
Craig said he wanted to be sure to add plenty of action and humour to his address so “the audience [got] a better sense of how I have a humble and appreciative attitude towards life and my fellow countrymen.”
Soldier On would like to thank the Singleton Diggers Club for funding this event.
“THIS ISN’T A COMPETITION ABOUT WHO’S DONE IT TOUGHER, BUT AN EXERCISE ON HOW WE CAN FIND THE COMMON GROUND”
Volunteering Australia calls it “time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain”. By its very definition, volunteering is a generous act. It’s curious, then, to hear volunteer Narelle Rusk describe what she does for Soldier On as the opposite.
“It gives me a feeling of being part of something that means something,” she says. “I appreciate being able to do it, and it means a lot to me. It helps me so much that I’m probably selfish doing it!”
You only need to speak to Narelle for a moment to realise she is the furthest thing from selfish. Her connection to Soldier On began several years ago when her brother Stuart was going through a difficult time following his Army service in East Timor and Afghanistan. Born only 13 months apart, Narelle and Stuart were always very close. In 2015, Narelle says, Stuart faced the start of a bad bout of PTSD. In the years that followed, she spent endless hours on the phone with him, offering what support she could.
“It got to the point where I thought, ‘Well, I can listen to him on the phone, but there’s got be more we can do for him’,” Narelle says. “I started looking at some of these charities that were there to help people like him, and when I found Soldier On, I thought it was perfect. Being set up to help contemporary veterans,
particularly those who had done tours in Afghanistan, I felt they’d know what he was going through.”
Narelle got involved with Soldier On herself, doing a couple of fundraisers off her own bat. She says Stuart loved that she was helping people that were facing the same challenges as him, and she enjoyed the sense that she was doing something to make a difference. When she took the opportunity to volunteer for a Soldier On Pathways Networking Event (PNE) in Melbourne, Narelle had a chance to see firsthand the very real difference that Soldier On was making in the lives of veterans.
PNEs give Soldier On participants the opportunity to meet and connect with representatives from a range of veteransupportive employers. In the uncertain period during and after transition out of the ADF, these events can be a lifeline for veterans and family members looking to navigate their next career move. Narelle came along with the task of greeting participants and pointing them where they needed to go. Then she got to talking to one of the employer representatives about his experience with Soldier On. “I’ll never forget it,” she says. “Twelve months earlier, he had been on the other side of the desk, looking for a job. Now he had so much confidence, was so happy and his life had changed so much in a year.”
Narelle saw a stark contrast between him and some of the participants at the event, many of whom she noted seemed uncertain and hesitant as they arrived. “I looked back at this guy and thought, ‘Wow, this is just 12 months – and this is what Soldier On does for people.’”
The experience stuck with Narelle, and it spurred her to take up every opportunity she could to volunteer for the charity. Stuart had also decided to attend a Soldier On coffee catch up in his local area when, tragically, he suffered a heart attack and passed away in January 2021, at the age of just 44. Narelle says the grief is still very present, but that her association with Soldier On helps her to feel closer to Stuart.
“It’s like still having a part of him when I go to those [Soldier On] events, because the people there know what he went through, and I can talk to them like I’m still talking to him,” she says.
“Soldier On was the only organisation that really accepted me, because I’m not immediate family – I’m a sister. Some ESOs can only provide support to spouses or children of veterans, but Soldier On recognised that as his sister, I was on the phone to him every night when he was going through his battles. I get so much out of it. I get that closeness, that tiny little bit of my brother back that I don’t get from anywhere else.”
One way Narelle and her family honour Stuart’s memory is by taking part in Soldier On’s annual March On Challenge, where participants raise funds by walking or running the equivalent distance of the Kokoda Track during the month of March. The first year they participated was 2021, when Narelle’s younger brother, Michael, signed them up.
“For us, that first year was very healing,” says Narelle. “To be able to talk about Stuart only two months on from his death, and doing something together as a family even though we were in different states – it was something that brought us together, because we had daily chats about how much we’d raised, where we’d gone walking that day… You don’t realise just how much it can connect you.”
Those connections forged during March On reach even wider for Narelle as the moderator of the March On Challenge Facebook group, which sees a huge increase in traffic each March.
It’s a complementary role to her current volunteer position with Soldier On as a volunteer moderator of our social media channels.
“That March On group is just amazing,” Narelle says. “People make friends there and keep in touch throughout the year and look forward to the next March, then they join [March On] in their groups again.”
The connections are what drive Narelle to continue to volunteer for Soldier On. Earlier this year, she lost another brother, and recently Stuart’s wife also passed away. “Life is so short,” she says. “And for me it comes down to a question: how do you want to be remembered? Through volunteering with Soldier On, I’ve made so many new friends I’d never have met otherwise. That’s how I want to be remembered – as having these friends who I have a true connection with. Yes, you can feel good at night because you’ve done
something good, but for me it’s about the connections you make.”
Narelle hopes more people will try volunteering, not only to help others, but to see what they themselves might get out of it. “I want to share my experience of getting involved and helping because it made me feel closer and connected,” she says. “It’s made such a huge difference in my life. I want other people to know that volunteering can help you out of the doldrums and back into life.”
Soldier On gratefully welcomes volunteers across a range of activities. Around the country there are varied opportunities to get involved, from leading or helping with social events to producing content for our journal. If you have a skill you’d like to put to use in support of Soldier On, please reach out to volunteers@soldieron. org.au to let us know!
We are proud to continue supporting those men and women through our sponsorship of Soldier On’s excellent work.
Over 30 years of delivering leading edge training solutions to equip our Service men and women for operations. Head Office Suite 401, Level 4, 4 Railway Parade, Burwood NSW 2134, Australia.
A special community in Brisbane came together in May in memory of man who was close to their hearts.
Jason Sertori was a remarkable man who was a veteran, firefighter, husband, father, grandfather and friend,” says Jason’s wife, Tammy. In July 2022, whilst on deployment with the United Nations in Africa, Jason succumbed to his battle with PTSD, leaving behind a community that was shattered by his loss.
Jason’s children, Tammy, Zac and Sara, became dedicated to making sure his memory lived on in a way that truly represented the devoted man he was. So, they decided to plan a charity golf fundraising event, golf being an activity Jason loved, and made it even more significant by holding it just after what would have been his 55th birthday. Tammy described it as “an occasion for those who loved him to come together, play a round of golf and swap stories and memories.”
The Jason Sertori Memorial Golf Day, held at Redcliffe Golf Club, was an incredible success, with 138 players
on the day, a total of 160 people in attendance, and a number of local businesses lending their support. An astounding $23,000 was raised for Soldier On. Tammy says that Jason would be truly touched by the funds raised, being a passionate supporter of Soldier On himself from the early days of the organisation.
In addition to this incredible result, Grill’d Chermside also featured Soldier
On as one of their Local Matters community groups for the month of June in Jason’s memory, with the local community choosing it as the winning cause for the month.
Jason’s family say they’ve been blown away by the love and support shown by their friends, family and entire community to honour Jason, an amazing human who always devoted his life to helping others.
Michael Davey ran away from home and joined the Navy as a 15-yearold. He was enrolled as a junior recruit at HMAS Leeuwin in Perth and eventually worked with aircraft at HMAS Albatross. After a fostered and institutionalised childhood, the Defence Force provided Michael with a sense of family, structure, and discipline.
By 19 years of age, he had travelled the world, an experience he describes as “breathtaking”. Michael served for 10 years, and says he loved every second of it. When the time came to transition out of Defence, though, he struggled. He estimates he submitted 300 job applications and attended scores of interviews. He felt he had no transferrable skills, that he wasn’t equipped to deal with civilian life. This struggle left him in a dark place. But, after getting professional help and after completing his HSC as a mature age student, Michael discovered skills he never thought he had and went on to university, where he won two scholarships; one a PhD and the other in medicine.
Personally aware of the struggles our Defence personnel go through, Michael is now determined to do what he can for those who are in that dark place he once found himself.
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He was appalled at the suicide rate amongst veterans. “More than 1400 veterans have committed suicide in the time we were in Afghanistan,” he says. Driven by a desire to help Defence personnel get into counselling and receive the support that they need, Michael set out to raise both funds and awareness on the back of a bike.
Last year, Michael and a small group of ex-ADF members rode postie bikes around Australia in support of Soldier On, covering an impressive total of 21,000 kilometres, creating awareness for the for harsh toll that mental illness can take on Australian veterans and raising an incredible $41,000. This year, Michael is tackling a journey of roughly
14,500 kilometres on a pushbike, setting a fundraising goal of $100,000 to help Soldier On continue to deliver its lifesaving work.
Starting his journey on 1 July, Michael headed over the Sydney Harbour Bridge before pedalling his way up to Brisbane, followed by Rockhampton. His journey will then take him to Mt Isa, Katherine, Broome, and the Kimberley. Perth, Esperance, Norseman, Port Augusta, Melbourne, Hobart, Bendigo, Griffith, and Canberra are also on the route before he arrives home in Nowra in October.
Michael’s drive to destigmatise mental illness is evident. Having suffered PTSD himself, he knows some people experience a self-imposed pressure to ‘man up’. Having sought professional help, he found more
constructive ways to think. “[Seeking help for] mental illness is not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength to be able to recognise the need for professional help,” he says. Michael hopes the ride around Australia will be the start of a conversation for many veterans battling mental health. Astride his pushbike dressed as Where’s Wally, he certainly stands out. The costume is a fun attention-grabber, but it also serves to communicate a serious message about not hiding in plain sight like Wally. Those suffering mental illness will sometimes hide or mask what they’re going through, and from the outside looking in, it can be hard to determine that any issues even exist. Michael’s advice to those struggling is clear:
“Don’t hide, get help, start a conversation.”
To follow Michael’s trek, check out his Facebook page, apostieride4ptsd. You can also make a donation at his Soldier On fundraising page at https:// fundraise.soldieron.org.au/fundraisers/ michaeldavey/a-postie-ride-4-ptsd
Fun runs are in full swing across the country, and they are a great way to challenge yourself and join like-minded people to make an incredible impact by raising funds for Soldier On.
One such remarkable runner is Adrian Rogers, who recently took part in the Gold Coast Marathon Festival, raising a whopping $2,300 for Soldier On’s vital services.
When Adrian, a former sergeant in the British Army, signed up to take part in the event, he knew he wanted to raise funds for a charity that supports veterans. “I think that with so many frequent deployments, particularly to Afghanistan, the incidence of mental health problems is
compounded significantly,” says Adrian. “I understand the importance of mental health services and programs.”
After postings to Germany, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand with British forces, Adrian enlisted in the Australian Army, completing 20 years of service in total. Even after discharging from the military, he and his family were still very active in the veteran community, managing St George’s Defence Holiday Suites in Coolangatta before retiring to the Gold Coast hinterland.
In the leadup to the marathon, Adrian was bowled over by the support he received from his community, including from the Queensland Sappers Association, his church, and his family and friends. It is a true testament to his dedication to the current and exserving defence community.
Find an upcoming fun run near you at fundraise.soldieron.org.au/events
Soldier On recently conducted two Civil Plant Training with Education Partners Signature Learning and Development (SLAD) and Aspire Education based in the Hunter Valley.
The five-day courses allowed participants to get hands-on experience, with each of the 20 participants undertaking their Construction Induction Course (White Card) with Aspire Education prior to attending the SLAD training facility in Morpeth, NSW. On Day One, attendees were inducted then introduced to the machinery, with education on pre-checks, startup and basic operations, before they were turned loose with one-on-one supervised hands-on operation.
The next day saw a site visit from local companies actively looking at employing operators, including Soldier On Pledge Partner, Fulton Hogan. Each company was given time to explain what they do and what they were after in a new employee and to engage with and watch the operators in action.
During the training, the SLAD trainers said they were thrilled to have the pleasure of getting to know each participant personally and engaging with them on a professional and interpersonal level. Their team of experienced trainers worked diligently to ensure that every participant received hands-on training and theoretical knowledge, ensuring their safety and competency. At the end of the five days, each student graduated with five accredited tickets.
One of the Soldier On participants who attended the training was Shane Lindsey. Having been employed for a number of years in the Defence Force, Shane had taken a break to travel. Upon his return, he found the work with Defence inconsistent and started to look
to employment options in the civilian world. Shane reached out to Kevin Lomax, former Soldier On Pathways Officer and now Ambassador, to see what options were available to him.
Kevin put him in touch with Programs Officer Dean Mainey to discuss employment and training, and Dean worked with Shane on updating his resume. Learning that Shane wanted a role in civil construction, Dean then put him on a course with SLAD.
Following this, Shane attended a Soldier On Pathways Networking Event, where he was able to talk to a number of local Pledge Partners, including Singleton Council. Kevin and Dean suggested Shane talk to the Council’s representative to see what was on offer, as the Council was running a major recruitment campaign at the time. As a Defence reservist, Shane was conscious he wanted to work somewhere that would be able to provide flexibility and support for
his military obligations, and, after a quick chat, Shane felt confident that his skill base was suitable for the role and that his commitments to Defence were understood. An interview was set up for a position on the Civil Construction Crew.
After attending another SLAD course to gain his Front-End Loader certification, Shane was successful in winning a job with Singleton Council. He had found the outcome he was hoping for in an organisation he wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
“I can honestly say that without Soldier On and the Pathways team, I wouldn’t have been afforded the opportunity to slot into the role I’m now in, with a great organisation that understands and supports Defence members,” Shane says. With firsthand experience of what support organisations like Soldier On are able to achieve, Shane is an advocate for breaking the stigma around
seeking help after Defence. “Civilian life is vastly different to Defence, so transitioning or juggling the two can be quite a mission,” he says. “I was amazed at what Soldier On was able to help me achieve in such a short period of time. Massive thank you to Kevin and Dean, and Soldier On, for all the help and support they’ve provided me.”
He urges anyone who is looking for work after Defence to “take the plunge and speak to Soldier On.
If you are thinking of transitioning out of the ADF or looking for employment options, please head to https:// soldieron.org.au/supporting-you/ and register as a participant.
Rohde & Schwarz has been a part of Defence industry in Australia for over 40 years. We pay our respects to all who have served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country.
Lest we forget.
Balancing the workload of full-time study and a professional work role poses no challenge for Soldier On participant and high achiever Emma.
It's an impressive feat for an adjusting first-year university student to comfortably juggle the demands of any job on top of the average 40-hour study week. So, naturally, it takes impressive drive for someone with those responsibilities to simultaneously excel as an accomplished hockey player, theatre performer, and a visionary creative. Meet Emma, a first-year university student and JLL employee, who does it all while thriving.
Beyond being a triple threat and model student, Emma is a delightfully charismatic and authentic individual, with a curiosity for the world and an outgoing nature.
One key to her success, she says, is undoubtedly her parents, Petrina
and Stuart. Raised with her father serving in the Air Force, Emma moved around Australia, from Adelaide, to Canberra, and to Newcastle. But it was her family’s stint on deployment to Crystal City, Virginia, with Stuart working on F-35s, that really piqued her thirst for adventure.
Both Emma and Petrina love the unpredictable lifestyle that comes with being part of a Defence family, and some of Emma’s fondest memories stem from her time at McLean High School (home of the Highlanders!) in Virginia.
“I loved the sense of community that there was at my school in America,” she says. “From the football games, where there was a sea of the McLean High School colours of silver and red, to the everyday aspects of American culture, it was like something straight out of a movie.”
In February Emma commenced a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (BPPE) at the Australian National University in Canberra, a degree that she says will open up a range of possibilities.
For most people, young adulthood is filled with excitement as they decide what kind of career or lifestyle they want to embark on. Not being confined to a predetermined path to leaves young people like Emma the chance to experience all that life has to offer, finding their calling along the way.
Although free-spirited, Emma plans on taking on a double degree consisting of a BPPE and a Bachelor of Economics to set herself up with a range of career
options, from becoming a consultant, to an entrepreneur – but not before travelling the world, following closely in her parents’ footsteps.
To further her already long list of achievements, Emma has taken on a new role with global real estate services firm JLL, which she secured with help from Soldier On. Even before entering the workforce, family members of Defence personnel have acquired key soft skills that inject value into any job. Throughout her years of moving and adjusting to new towns, schools, communities and even countries, Emma developed resilience, versatility, and the ability to adapt quickly from an early age.
As a Soldier On Platinum Pledge Partner, JLL understands the importance of these qualities. It collaborated with Soldier On’s Pathways Program in 2022 to launch its own Veteran Engagement Program (VEP) to ensure these values don’t
get overlooked in the recruitment process. JLL’s VEP is veteran-centric, based on providing a rewarding and engaging career path in an organisation underpinned by a supportive, diverse, and inclusive culture. This has given Emma a great foot in the door for her future prospects.
“Emma started with us as a casual Data Support Assistant,” says Matt Fitzgerald, Director of Sustainable Operations and Work Dynamics at JLL. “She supports the Energy and
Sustainability Services team to collect utility data used across most of our service delivery, and some other administrative tasks. The scope we provide to our clients is to assist them to operate their property portfolios more sustainably, for example through reduced energy or water consumption, reduced waste generation, or pursuing net zero carbon emissions.”
Having settled in with JLL, Emma says, “I really enjoy the flexibility I get with my role. I’m able to work remotely and across two to three days a week so it’s easy to keep on top of my university commitments. Of course, it also helps to have a super supportive team backing me.”
With Emma, there’s no doubt that whatever path she decides to take, she will contribute to a brighter tomorrow. Her open-mindedness, strong family foundation, and enthusiasm to learn and develop her skills are the perfect combination for a fulfilling future. She embodies the potential that veterans’ family members can reach when enabled to thrive.
Your future, your financial wellbeing, your Vets Hub.
On a frosty night in June, the Soldier On Canberra team held a Pathways Networking Event, kindly hosted by Platinum Pledge Partner JLL at their office.
As always, it was an opportunity for Soldier On participants to network with Pledge Partners in a relaxed and welcoming setting, discovering avenues for pursuing a meaningful new civilian career with a committed veteran-supportive employer. Conversely, the fourteen Pledge Partners who attended had the chance to connect with participants looking to bring their valuable transferable ADF skills into a new organisation.
Thank you to our host Jones Lang La Salle (JLL), AeroPM, Aurecon Group, Bluerydge, Five Eyes Consulting, Jacobs, Kiah, Kinetic IT, Omni Executive, Pacific Aerospace Consulting, Synergy Group, Torode Solutions, Viden, and Open Arms for your support.
Every third Friday, veterans and first responders attend the Royal Prince Albert Yacht Club. This particular winter Friday in Sydney brought sunny weather and strong northwest winds. Our volunteer John freely admits that he is on the “other side of 80”, but he moves around the craft as though he is half his age. The crew consisted of John, a currently serving Navy officer, a Border Force officer and her mother, a Navy veteran, and Soldier On’s James Milliss. The morning was spent with the group tacking up and down Pittwater, learning sailing skills on the fly. And later, with the sailing finished, craft stowed, and all the sails away, participants were invited for soft drinks and an amazing lunch provided by the Yacht Club, where Julia, the club’s first female Vice Commodore, ensures that all feel welcome.
The combination of wind, water, and social connection was just what the doctor ordered!
In July, James had the honour of representing Soldier On at the Younger Veterans - Contemporary Needs Forum. A presentation from the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute was provided to members, highlighting current clinical trials and research underway in the mental health field, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Members also heard a presentation on the Defence Sexual Misconduct
Prevention and Response Office (SeMPRO), a service available for both current serving members and veterans. The service is not a reporting agency, and operates under a person-centred, trauma-informed approach.
To learn more about SeMPRO, visit: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/ contact-us/sexual-misconductprevention-response-office
Both Soldier On’s Dean (Singleton region) and James (Central Coast) attended an ADF Member and Family Transition Seminars in late June. These events are a valuable opportunity for our staff to meet with service personnel who are in the process of or considering transitioning out of the Defence force. Dean and James shared information with attendees about our HELP model, which has supported our veterans and their families for more than a decade, enabling them to thrive in their civilian lives.
July saw James invited by RSL Life for preliminary discussions with other ESOs in the Central Coast and Hawkesbury regions about establishing Defence Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs in the area. These hubs, funded by DVA, provide a space for veterans’ services and advocacy organisations to co-exist and provide integrated support to current and ex-service personnel and families. Hubs may include health and mental health services, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing advice, and social connection.
With the network of hubs being expanded around the country, Soldier On is excited to partner with other ESOs to be involved in these “one-stop shops” for local veteran services, enabling more veterans and their families to access the support they need and deserve.
A family weekend program that aims to bring veteran families together providing opportunities for family social connections, developing new and improved relationship skills, and working towards future goals.
Puckapunyal – September 2023
Sale – September 2023
Wodonga – November 2023
Scan the QR code to register your expression of interest!
We were excited to hold a Pathways Networking Event (PNE) in Melbourne in May, hosted by one of our Platinum Pledge Partners, Ventia, who generously provided the space and catering for all our participant's needs.
Veterans and their families had the opportunity to meet veteransupportive employers and chat about their skills, experience, and purpose as they take their next step after Defence. In addition, Pledge companies had the opportunity to provide attendees with new perspectives on how they view their lived experiences and the value they have within civilian industries.
We saw current serving, transitioning, and already transitioned members, along with family members in search of employment and educational opportunities.
Feedback from the night was universally positive, with attendee Tim saying, “Speaking with people who are actually interested in my skills and experience from Defence has been really positive and eased my mind about my future outside of Defence.”
“I was anxious about leaving Defence, not knowing what's out there for me after 20 years,” said another attendee, Jason. “However, I now feel positive about my transition from Defence, meeting and speaking with Pledge companies that are really interested in me and my skills as a Defence member.”
It was a great night of networking, which helped many find meaningful purpose through employment and educational opportunities. Keep an eye out for other PNEs around the country!
Soldier On would like to thank Ventia, AVT Australia, Defence Health, KPMG, Kinectic IT, Goal Group, Kinexus, Aurecon, Navantia Australia, Hanwha Defence Australia, Serco Asia Pacific, Boeing, and Rheinmetall Defence Australia. Special thanks to Helping Heroes and Open Arms for making this event possible.
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We acknowledge their service and the sacrifices they and their families have made.
Soldier On was honoured to be presented with the award for Excellence in Supporting the Local Veteran Community at the Singleton Business Awards in July. For 32 years, Business Singleton has honoured local businesses through their annual awards, which recognise organisations and celebrate individuals who have achieved excellence in the Singleton business community throughout the previous 12 months.
Soldier On Pledge Partner Glencore was a sponsor of the event and Education Partner Novaskill was a fellow winner, taking home the Excellence in Professional Services award.
Soldier On’s Dean Mainey, James Milliss and Rose Savasta Erba were there to accept the award. “We are honoured and proud to work for a charity that does so much work for the community,” said Dean. We’re so proud to see our Singleton team recognised for the difference they make to the lives of veterans and their families in the area.
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At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice. We Will Remember Them – Lest We Forget.
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Soldier On is pleased to be part of a consortium of organisations supporting veterans and their families, convened by RSLWA, that has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to deliver a business case for a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Perth’s southwest. An expansion of the network of Hubs was committed to by the Federal Government in its October 2022 Budget.
Natalie and Lisa in our WA team look forward to continuing to work alongside RSLWA in partnership to bring complementary services to the veteran community through this new Hub, which will assist more members of the veteran community with coordinated access to the vital support they need and deserve.
In July, the Perth team was pleased to attend a lunch hosted by Defence Health to highlight the tireless work of
volunteers and how Legacy supports the community. It was also an opportunity for ex-serving organisations to come together and discuss how to better support veterans and their families.
Soldier On is grateful to our partners, sponsors and supporters. The below organisations provide vital funding that directly enable Soldier On to continue to provide support for veterans and their families.
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
FOUNDATION PARTNERS
WITH SPECIAL THANKS
Count Charitable Foundation
GWS Giants Football Club
The Good Guys
The Howarth Foundation
MEDIA PARTNERS
St Kilda
Football Club
Scott Mitchell & Partners
Raytheon Australia
Dramatic Productions
A weekend program in Newcastle that aims to bring transition veterans together providing opportunities for social connections including a range of fun activities, developing employment skills, and working towards future career goals.
Newcastle
Friday 27 - Sunday 29 October 2023
Scan the QR code to register your expression of interest Alternatively – email vet.connect@soldieron.org.au
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